Always Look at the Big Maps

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 99, 28 April 1941, Page 6

Always Look at the Big Maps

Reminders pf Tremendous Strength of Empire VALUE OF DOMINIONS’ CONTRIBUTIONS . (British Official Wireless) Received Sunday, 9.30 p.m. RUGBY, April 23. The Home Secretary (Mr. Herbert Morrison) spoke at Guildford to-day on Empire co-operatiou iu the war eilort as a co-operatiou of peoples and governments. Referring to the recent setback* and disappointments in tho Balkans and Middle East, he said: “We knew we must expect --etbacks of this kind—Mr. Churchill had warned us end onr own commonscn.se had put us on guard. “We do not want f> beliltie -.here difficulties which undoubtedly add to the burdens that must be berne by the armed forces and tho peoplej of the Empire, but we need to see these episodes in perspective. We need to see them against the background of what is becoming with increasing jpeed a world war. “Remember the advice: If you look at maps look at big maps. Big maps remind us of the tremendous strength of the Empire throughout the world—a strength which is being thrown more and more thoroughly and completely into the tasks of the war. “The support we draw from the Empire is of three kinds. There is first manpower and fighting quality, a tremendous asset. Our soldiers welcome these superb brothers iu arms. * Our citizens and workers at home standing up manfully to their burdens are filled with encouragement to learn of the epic deeds of their fighting kinsmen. “Secondly there is the war of production where we are receiving assistance on a scale no mau could have foreseen before the war. “Lastly, and not least, support comes also in the council chambers. In the conduct of this war there is a pooling of ideas and plans among Empire countries. The policies and strategies hammered out in our war councils owe much to the wise co-operation of the responsible Governments in the great Dominions. When the Commonwealth of Australia and the Dominion of New Zealand are associated with us in a great military enterprise they arc associated equally closely in the formulation of the policy in connection with that enterprise. • ‘This is sometimes spoken of as though it were done in fulfilment of a proper obligation to them and that is true. But it is not the whole truth. It is done also because we need tho help their fresh and untrammelled minds bring to the council table. We are grateful at this moment to Australia for lending us her Prime Minister whose presence here, which would have been a welcome asset at any time, is of exceptional value just now when the personal part which he plays contributes so much to the achievement of a unified Imperial policy. “By loaning to us for the time being the able services of Mr. Menzies Australia had added one more service to the common cause,” Mr. Morrison added. “The Comonwealth may be sure her Prime Minister watches her interests with care in the War Cabinet. ’ *